HIBS have sacked manager Terry Butcher with immediate effect two weeks on from the club’s dismal relegation from the Premiership.

The Easter Road board took the decision to relieve the former Motherwell and Inverness manager of his duties at a board meeting today - 24 hours after Butcher held showdown talks with chief executive Leeann Dempster and chairman Rod Petrie.

Butcher’s assistant Maurice Malpas’ situation is unclear as he is abroad on holiday.

Dempster - who has only been in her role a week - said: "I have to say that we all regret that this decision had to be made, but during conversation it became clear that a different approach was needed.

"Sadly, for a variety of reasons and perhaps including unfortunate timing, it hasn't worked out for Terry here. That is disappointing for all concerned. I am genuinely saddened that we have had to take this tough decision."

Butcher replaced Pat Fenlon in November but after a disastrous run of form, which saw the Leith side win just once in their last 18 league games, his side were relegated after a penalty shoot-out loss to Hamilton in the Scottish Premiership play-off final.

Dempster continued: "It may have taken longer than we all would have liked but I felt it was appropriate that we met properly and had a full discussion before any decision was made.

"Now we need to move forward and act to bring in a new manager with the aim of getting us promoted back to where Hibernian belongs, in the top league of Scottish football, from a uniquely competitive Championship.

"Our first aim must be to try to win the league and gain promotion automatically.

"The search now begins to find and appoint the next manager, and while we will try to keep supporters updated regarding the process as much as we can, I know they will understand that we need to be professional in all that we do.

"Unfortunately Assistant Manager Maurice Malpas is abroad on holiday at present and I want to meet him on his return to explain the situation at the club."